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Ecthyma gangrenosum

Ecthyma gangrenosum

Overview

This picture shows a skin infection (ecthyma) that has eroded through the top layer of skin (epidermis). Ecthyma gangrenosum is a bacterial skin infection (caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa) that usually occurs in people with a compromised immune system.

Review Date 4/18/2023

Updated by: John Roberts, MD, Professor of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology), Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, Pediatrics, Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.